On August 31, 2106, Anne Arundel County will be hosting the first International Overdose Awareness Day. Please join your neighbors in remembering those lives we have lost due to overdose and let our citizens know THERE IS HOPE! Recovery Anne Arundel ROSC in conjunction with the Anne Arundel County Executive’s Office, Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Health, State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Arundel Christian Church will host a candlelight vigil to honor those lives lost to overdose in our county.

International Overdose Awareness Day offers all who have been affected by overdose a chance to publicly mourn and help the community understand that fatal overdose is an issue that affects mainstream society. The day also serves as a warning that no one is immune to overdose. While this is a complex issue, it is not one without hope. This is a ‘time to remember and a time to act”. August 31st brings the community together to highlight treatment and prevention efforts in order to put a stop to this epidemic. In addition, we are gathering to show support for our amazing Anne Arundel County First Responders, who work so closely with behavioral health providers to carefully and compassionately understand the challenges of those suffering with the disease of addiction.

There were 383 overdose fatalities in Maryland within the first three months of 2016; with 45 reported in Anne Arundel County, this is triple the amount in the same time period from last year. In Anne Arundel County we have developed programs and resources to help combat addiction but we cannot do it alone. We need your help to raise awareness and help support those who need help. Please come out to honor loved ones, families, and friends that have suffered an overdose tragedy.

The public is invited to join together on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at a candlelight vigil starting at 7:45 pm at the Arundel Christian Church, 710 Aquahart Road, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061. Doors will open to the public at 7:15 pm.

John is the publisher and editor of Eye On Annapolis. As a resident and business owner in Anne Arundel County for more than 15 years, he realized that there was something missing in terms of community news--and Eye On Annapolis was born in late spring 2009.
John's background is in the travel industry as a business owner, industry speaker, and travel writer. In terms of blogging and social media, he cut his teeth with MSNBC.com.